Week 6 Roundup

When two playoff contenders meet during the regular season, most would expect a nail-biter that isn't decided until the final seconds. In Week 6 of the 1976 season, however, the biggest matchups produced some of the biggest blowouts.

Gene Nowlin (8), LAX

The Los Angeles Express broke a three-way tie for first place in the Pacific Division by pounding the San Jose SaberCats, 69-7. LAX (4-2) scored 52 points in the middle two quarters as they took over sole possession of first place Gene Nowlin was 12-for-24 passing for 533 yards and eight TDs, one shy of the league record. Do the math, and it is some amazing math--44 yards per completion. Santiago Smith caught TD passes of 99 yards, 48, 61, 72, and 17. Thomas Canale (New Orleand VooDoo, 1974) holds the league record with seven TD catches in a game.

The Birmingham Stallions torched the Pittsburgh Maulers, 38-13, in a battle of 1975 playoff teams. Stallions CB Dusty Edwards recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass, and was credited with four tackles. Edwards has 11 career pickoffs, but has a ways to go to catch Oakland's Edward Alston and San Antonio's Leon Crisman (18 each) on the all-time list.

The Detroit Wheels destroyed the Boston Breakers, 55-10, behind 569 passing yards and seven TDs from QB Mario Valencia. WR Timothy Hanna caught four of those TD passes. Boston continues to mystify. The Breakers have beaten New Jersey and Birmingham (1975 playoff teams), but have given up an average of 59 points in losses to Baltimore, Cleveland and Detroit.

In other Week 6 games:

• The New York Stars continue to consider themselves the luckiest team on the face of the earth. Jacksonville TD Edward Fields fumbled at his own 15, setting up New York's only TD one play later, as the Stars edged the Bulls, 10-7. New York won its Week 5 game on a 105-yard kickoff return in the final minute.
• New coach setherick didn't need much time to turn things around in Orlando, as the Renegades knocked off Pacific Division co-leader Honolulu Hawaiians, 30-27. It was Orlando's first game with a full roster under setherick. Renegades CB Michael Ellis, obtained this week in a trade with the Michigan Panthers, intercepted two passes.
• Three teams are 3-3 in the Southwest Division and the Houston Gamblers are only one game back after undefeated Arizona knocked off the San Antonio Gunslingers, 38-35. Cory Robinzine caught four TD passes for the Wranglers, including the game-winner with 28 second remaining.

Week 7 Preview

The squeaky-tight Southwest Division will see some movement Tuesday when Memphis (3-3) hosts Oklahoma (3-3) and San Antonio (3-3) hosts Houston (2-4). The Charlotte Hornets (1-5) will try to repeat their victory over the Washington Federals (1-5) from four weeks ago. The Los Angeles Express (4-2) will be at Detroit (5-1) in a battle of postseason contenders.